Storm assistant coach Hovan faces domestic violence charge

TAMPA — Chris Hovan, a Tampa Bay Storm assistant coach and former Buccaneers defensive lineman, was arrested last month on a domestic violence charge stemming from an incident at his Lutz home.

Hovan, 36, is charged with simple battery, false imprisonment and tampering with a witness.

On June 18, Hovan and his wife got into an argument and Hovan pushed his wife into the kitchen pantry and wouldn’t let her out, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. His wife asked their child to call 911, but Hovan took the phone from the child and took the battery out of the phone, investigators said.

When deputies arrived, Hovan’s wife had red marks on both arms but refused medical assistance.

Hovan, who was released from the Hillsborough County jail on June 20, has been the Storm’s defensive coordinator for two seasons.

Hovan signed with the Bucs in 2005 and played five seasons. He was first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2000.

After retiring from the NFL, he worked as a strength and conditioning coach with the University of South Florida athletic department before joining the Storm of the Arena Football League.